Arc’teryx Advances Avalanche Airbag Technology with New Voltair

North Vancouver, BC (December 15, 2015) — Statistically proven to increase the survival rate of skiers and snowboarders caught in an avalanche, airbag backpacks have become the new cornerstone of the backcountry snow safety kit.

Introducing the new standard in avalanche safety tools, ARC’TERYX proudly debuts its Voltair avalanche airbag, an advanced airbag backpack technology designed to keep skiers and riders at the snow’s surface during an avalanche event, reducing burial depth and increasing survival rate.

Unlike traditional compressed air cylinder airbag systems that are limited to one deployment per charged cylinder, the ARC’TERYX Voltair airbag system is powered by a heavy-duty 22.2V Lithium-Ion Polymer rechargeable battery that allows the user to deploy the air bag multiple times.

“Along with routine testing of the system, the multiple deployment advantage allows backcountry skiers and riders to practice deploying the airbag to better train themselves on how to react during an avalanche. In high consequence situation, you don’t rise to the occasion, you fall back on your training,” said Gordon Rose, Senior Industrial Designer at ARC’TERYX.

Utilizing an advanced engineered centrifugal blower to fill the 150 Liter balloon, the Voltair system delivers more initial pressure than any other battery powered avalanche airbag system on the market. This superior system ensures the balloon deploys rapidly, consistently and continuously – even if small tears or punctures result from colliding with hard objects like trees and rocks.

Another exclusive advantage of the Voltair’s rechargeable battery is its high-grade automotive quick connector for convenient assembly of the system, while also allowing for the ability to disconnect the battery completely from the backpack in order to meet air transportation safety regulations.

“Compressed air cylinder airbag systems cannot be easily transported on planes as the cylinders must be emptied and refilled at the final destination – something not always accessible in remote backcountry locations,” said Rose. “The Voltair’s sophisticated battery system is extremely robust and is also field rechargeable with a special adapter for portable power sources, solar panels, wind turbines, etc.”

Made in Canada at ARC’TERYX’s own advanced manufacturing facility, other innovative features that set the Voltair airbag apart include its unique mechanical ‘always available’ trigger handle that is permanently accessible and can be quickly unlocked to deploy the airbag during descent. Using proven designs from its award-winning climbing harness technology, the Voltair employs an easy-to-use, one-handed wire gate leg loop/harness system that solidly secures the airbag to the body.

Available in 20L and 30L volume, the fully seam-sealed Voltair is constructed with waterproof N400r-AC² nylon 6 ripstop body fabric with WaterTight™ zippers for top and side access to the two main compartments. Both sizes offer dedicated compartments for additional snow safety equipment like shovels and probes. Front lash ladders and straps diagonally carry skis or snowboard while ice/mountaineering tool loops keep everything else in place for a stable and safe ride.

“The technologies used in the Voltair pack completely advance the concept of avalanche airbag design, presenting an absolute paradigm shift in how skiers and riders will approach backcountry safety in the future”, Rose added.

Arc’teryx Equipment is a technical high-performance outerwear and equipment company based in North Vancouver, Canada. Our relentless commitment to design, craftsmanship and performance delivers breakthrough experiences. The company’s industry-leading design and unique in-house manufacturing center creates technical products that can be trusted to perform in moments of extreme need.

Arc’teryx distributes its products through more than 3,000 retail locations worldwide, including ten branded stores in Europe, North America and Asia. www.arcteryx.com

Arc’teryx is named for the Archaeopteryx Lithographica, the first reptile to develop the feather for flight. Evolution in Action.